The training grounds buzzed with disbelief. As the crowd processed what had just occurred, a cacophony of voices filled the air. "What just happened?" "How is this possible?" "He defeated Caine?!" Whispers and shocked exclamations echoed all around, spreading like wildfire through the assembled knights, soldiers, and servants.
James and Alex, as composed as ever, stood up and silently walked inside the estate, showing no visible reaction to the outcome. Veronica, however, was clearly displeased, her smirk replaced by a look of irritation as she followed them in. Her eyes lingered on Ryn briefly, filled with a cold, calculating annoyance before she disappeared into the house.
Ryn, still panting and feeling the weight of exhaustion, heard the murmurs of doubt and confusion around him. He thought to himself, It really wasn't supposed to happen this way. If my strike hadn't landed, if the fight had lasted just a bit longer, Caine would've overpowered me. His body still ached from the few hits he had taken, and he knew he had been lucky. But luck wasn't something he could rely on again. I have to train harder. The inheritance has given me power, but I'm not strong enough yet.
As he slowly descended from the dueling stage, he spotted Rosalia rushing toward him, her eyes brimming with tears. Without a word, she flung her arms around him in a tight embrace, her voice trembling with relief. "Thank goodness… thank goodness you're okay."
Ryn, though grateful for the support, was too tired to stand on his own anymore. He leaned heavily against Rosalia, using her as a crutch to keep himself upright. The warmth of her presence was comforting, and for a brief moment, he let himself relax. Then, with a playful smirk, he leaned in closer to her ear and whispered, "Be sure to get our winnings."
Rosalia's face flushed red as she realized what he meant. She had "accidentally" placed a bet with the other soldiers and servants, wagering on Ryn's victory—the only bet for him in the entire crowd. She had done it at Ryn's insistence, but even then, she hadn't expected to win. Flustered and embarrassed, she stammered, "W-Wait… what?"
In her flustered state, she "accidentally" let go of Ryn, and he stumbled slightly, wincing from the pain. The frustration of the crowd, realizing they had lost the bet, was palpable as Rosalia confidently went to collect their earnings. The grumbling soldiers and servants begrudgingly handed over their coins, frustrated but having no choice.
After gathering the winnings, Rosalia returned to Ryn, now more composed, and helped him back to his room. He could feel her warmth as she supported him, but he remained quiet, too exhausted to say much more.
Once back in his room, Ryn collapsed onto his bed, every muscle aching from the fight. He lay there, staring at the ceiling, revisiting every moment of the duel in his mind. He remembered how Caine had attacked relentlessly, how the aura surrounded his blade, and how he had countered with his inherited technique. He replayed each movement, each strike, trying to identify where he could have improved.
As he lay there, the power of the inheritance pulsed within him. His mind began to expand, showing him new possibilities—new attacks, new counters, ways he could have moved and acted. The more he thought about it, the clearer these strategies became. He could see how he had used the "Three Continuous Slashes" and how he could adapt it further. It was as if the inheritance itself was guiding his thoughts, helping him refine his technique.
Morning came quickly, and Ryn awoke feeling better than ever. The exhaustion and pain from the previous day were gone, replaced by a new energy coursing through him. He felt rejuvenated, as though the fight had only strengthened him. He jumped out of bed and decided to start the day with a run and some light training, eager to keep improving.
As he returned from his morning routine, drenched in sweat but feeling great, he found Rosalia waiting for him at his door, arms crossed and a scowl on her face. The moment she saw him, she began scolding him. "You're insane! You were injured yesterday, and instead of resting like a normal person, you go out to train? You could have made things worse!"
Ryn, smiling, listened to her scolding without interrupting. He found something peaceful in hearing her worry for him, something comforting. Rosalia, her face flushed with annoyance, continued to lecture him, but slowly, her tone softened. When she realized he was standing before her, completely healthy and unscathed, her words trailed off. "You… really are fine," she muttered, unable to deny what her own eyes were seeing.
Though she tried to hide it, Rosalia's embarrassment was obvious. Her cheeks turned pink, and she quickly turned her back on him, flustered. "J-Just… get ready and go to breakfast! It's almost time," she snapped, hastily making her way out of the room.
Ryn chuckled softly as she left, amused by how cute she could be when flustered. He started getting ready, knowing that this breakfast would be a test of its own. After his victory in the duel, the atmosphere in the family was bound to change. He wasn't sure how, but he was ready to face whatever came next.